Performing at a student recital is an entirely different animal than just being in dance class. There are some very important guidelines and tips to be aware of:



Backstage Stuff:

There can be over one hundred students performing in a show, and if everyone was to be giggling and talking loudly backstage and in the dressing rooms during the show, the audience and dancers would be very distracted, if not downright annoyed. Do not practice directly on the side of the stage during someone else’s number as it will also be very distracting. Stay in the Green Room if there is one, if not, find a quiet place somewhere away from the area of the stage.

Please keep in mind that if you are watching the show from somewhere backstage, you have to be very careful where you stand. Always remember that if you can see the audience, they can see you (far better because of all the lights). NEVER stand where you can see even one member of the audience, and NEVER brush up against the curtains on the side of the stage as everyone in the theatre WILL see them sway.



Behavior While Sitting In The Audience:

As you will probably be performing in only one piece, it is fair that you should be able to see the rest of the show. If your dance is in the first half, you will be backstage for the first half of the show. When your number is over, you may quietly slip into the audience, to where the dancers seats are located. While in the audience it is quite acceptable to clap, cheer, and make the traditional zaghreet sound during the show. You should not, however, appear in the audience in full costume. You should either change into your street clothes, or wear a caftan or some other kind of cover up. There are several reasons for this. We Belly Dancers have an aura of mystery about us, and a lot of that aura is fed by a kind of illusion we work very hard to achieve. To be seen just sitting around with a pop or chatting with someone tends to dispel the mystery and intrigue that we work so hard to create.

As well, when dancers are onstage, it is their dance that the audience should be concentrating on. If you are sitting in the audience in your glittery best, nearby audience members WILL be staring at you instead of what is going on, on the stage. It would not be right to steal someone else’s thunder. Dancers hanging out in the parking lot behind the theatre in full costume with cigarettes hanging out of their mouth is also a very ungraceful and unladylike thing to do. Remember, the audience wants to be swept away by something exotic and mysterious, and when they see proof that you are just like them, the magic instantly disappears.



Dress Rehearsals:

If at all possible, do attend the dress rehearsal, even if you have to make your boss’s coffee for the next two weeks in order to get the extra few hours off. For dancers that are doing their first recital, this is doubly important. This is the time when all those little costume problems can be discovered and ironed out. The instructors will have this one chance to work the final kinks out of the choreography and stage placement. You will be shown where to come onstage from, and how to leave the stage. This is the time when you will find out exactly where you will be positioned onstage, and if you are uncomfortable with where you are placed this will be the last time that you can ask the instructor to make changes.

You will get to run through the whole number at least once, and quite often more than that. There are sometimes ghetto blasters backstage for classes to practice further. Another way to practice is to have your music on a cd or tape, and bring a walkman. That way, you can practice to your hearts content off in a quiet corner.

During dress rehearsal you will be able to get some of your initial nervousness about being onstage out of the way, and it is a also a good time to get some very memorable pictures without all the rushing around and panic of SHOWTIME!!! Your dress rehearsal time will be slotted, so if you are to rehearse at 3:00 you must be in full costume and on the side of the stage five to ten minutes ahead of schedule. It is always a good idea to arrive at the dress rehearsal about twenty minutes before it starts, just to make sure all goes well with your costume, and to get a prime dressing room spot. If possible stay for the whole rehearsal, to watch and learn all that you can. It is also a good idea to cheer on the other classes as they do their rehearsal. Watching the soloists rehearse can be an awe inspiring experience as well.




Backstage Timing During The Show:

In the dressing rooms and other areas backstage there will usually be show schedules posted on the wall somewhere. Make sure you know which number yours is and be sure to be on the side of the stage at least two numbers before yours. Another rule to set for yourself early in your dance career is to always be backstage and fully dressed by the time the doors open to the general audience.



Handy Tips:

While deodorant is good to wear to class, it is not such a good thing for the stage. It can make marks on your costume that will almost glow under the stage lights, and no one wants to be photographed with those lovely little white lines of solidified pit stick in the creases of their armpits. The lights are bright, the stage is hot, and you will sweat, best not to worry about it to much though, no one in the audience will see the few drips under your arms from where they are, besides, you aren’t out there for all that long so, it isn’t a problem.



Dance Bag:

There are a few things that dancers would never be without in their bag. Here is a list of all the things that you should have with you on show night.

Safety Pins

Lots of large pins always come in handy to secure all the costume bits that you just KNOW are going to explode at the instant of your first spin. Diaper pins are the best, they won’t accidentally open in mid dance causing you or the audience to squeal unexpectedly.

Moisturizer

Dry skin can look very shiny and alligator like under the stage lights, so a good slathering before going onstage can help you to look silky and smooth. There are instant tan creams that can also help to get rid of that "deathly white"look we all have for three quarters of the year. Glitter Cream is a great way to look soft… and sparkly.

Hair Spray

No matter whether you use it in your everyday life or not, gluing you hair firmly in place is an important part of the whole stage presence thing. No one wants to watch a fluid graceful dancer with a beautiful costume and limp flat hair. Sparkle spray works wonders on lackluster hair. You can also sprinkle glitter eye shadow powder on your hair if you can't find sparkle spray.

Make Up

If you think you’re wearing too much makeup, put more on!!! The bright lights will wash out any makeup you apply. At dress rehearsal, while the lights are on, go stand on the stage with one of your classmates and ask how your makeup looks. Better yet, bring a larger size mirror that you can check your whole face in at once on stage at some point during the dress rehearsal. You will be surprised at just how pale you will look under stage lights. Heavy eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, and bright, yet not too dark lipstick is a must for stage wear. The darker the lipstick you wear, the smaller your lips will look. A dark lipliner is also not a good idea. Purple and lavender makeup colors are not good for stage, as they turn to black and grey under the lights.